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mariposa farms

Best Of

Top 10 Favourite Places in Ottawa in 2016

Posted on December 31, 2016

Ottawa’s ever-evolving culinary scene brought us a lot of highlights in 2016. Listed below are our most memorable experiences, from trendy eatery to ice cream shop and everything in between. We’re looking forward to what 2017 has in store, Ottawa’s dining scene keeps growing and we’ll be here to share our favourites.

Fairouz

Fairouz brought Middle Eastern food with upscale flair to Ottawa and their array of healthy options, including muhammara dip, falafel and halloumi, kept us coming back. We’d recommend it for adventurous groups that are open to sharing.

La Cabaña

We discovered homey El Salvadorean pupuseria La Cabana by chance and we’ve since become big fans of these fried tortillas stuffed with fillings like cheese, pork and the mysterious edible flower ‘laroco’. Topped with tomato sauce and fermented cabbage “curtido”, it’s one of our favourite lunches.

North & Navy

Prettiest pasta in recent memory. @northandnavy’s #rhubarb and spring garlic #corzetti

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A sleek setting to enjoy North Italian cuisine in Centretown, North & Navy was one of our favourites for group dinners or date night. What more do you need than some fresh pasta and a negroni?

Supply & Demand

Speaking of fresh pasta, Supply & Demand always delivers. Their well curated menu is one of Ottawa’s best. They also occasionally offer pasta making classes that are an excellent way to spend an evening.

Meatpress

#Meatpress is one of our favourites for a reason, this #porchetta is 👌

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A go-to for lunch. Meatpress somehow always manages to surprise with flavourful, upscale ingredients stuck between two pieces of bread.

Union 613

Though the year brought a lot of trendy new places, we always end up back at Union 613 for cocktails and atmosphere. Their speakeasy is our favourite place in town.

Sansotei Ramen

It’s cold out there ❄! Nothing like a bowl of #ramen (with black garlic oil) on a frigid day from @sansoteiramen.

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Authentic Japanese tonkotsu finally arrives in Ottawa. The occasional lines at Sansotei Ramen are worth it for rich, flavourful broth and the best noodles in the city. Top it with some garlic oil for an extra treat.

Edgar

Edgar – at the top of our #brunch list for a reason. Toujours un vrai délice. 😋merci @marysolfoucault

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Our favourite place for brunch before the year started and it still is as the year ends.

Moo Shu Ice Cream & Kitchen

Though a lot of ice cream/gelato shops opened in Ottawa this year, Moo Shu was miles ahead with innovative flavours that changed our perception of what ice cream can be.

Mariposa Farms

Literal farm to table, our drive out to Mariposa Farms led to a magical Sunday lunch, feasting on incredible duck confit after seeing exactly where it came from.

Best Of

Top 10 Brunches in Ottawa

Posted on August 21, 2016

So it’s Sunday morning and you’re in the mood for some variety. Your stomach may be grumbling for a variety of reasons but let the anxiety of indecision not be one of them by simply choosing from one of our favourites.

Bytown Bites Top 10 Brunches in Ottawa.

  1. Edgar
    A cozy brunch haven in Gatineau. Folks flock here for indulgences like their famous “dutch baby” with maple syrup, sharp cheddar and pork belly ($14).
  2. Benny’s Bistro
    Tucked in the back of the French Baker, Benny’s Bistro is consistent and full of brunch surprises like their confit albacore tuna loin ($19). Breakfast (with a smaller menu) available on weekdays.
  3. The Manx
    Affordable and delicious, The Manx offers up a variety of brunch, bruncher and bruncherer options. Our favourite is “The Soho” which consists of two eggs, cowboy beans, braised mushrooms and hashbrowns ($10.50)
  4. Fraser Cafe
    Upscale surroundings and brunch options that will take your around the world including the Huevos Rancheros ($13.50) and Okonomiyaki ($14.50).
  5. Union 613
    Soul food brunch, their fried chicken and waffle sandwich (with poached eggs, pickled green tomatoes and spicy maple syrup) is a sight to behold ($15)
  6. Les Vilains Garcons
    An adventurous menu that always changes, with options typically around $15. A great change of pace for brunch.
  7. Art-Is-In Bakery
    Despite its large warehouse setting, the lines for brunch never seem to dissipate. And for good reason. Their famous fried pickle melt ($8.95) is a must.
  8. Wilf & Ada’s
    A scratch diner that does the basics and more. “Eggs in Purgatory” ($13.50) features eggs poached in a spicy tomato sauce that will set your brunch on fire (in a good way). Full menu available on weekdays.
  9. Brother’s Beer Bistro
    More than just beer, their brunch features many items made in-house, including a 36-hour sous vide porchetta served with eggs ($15)
  10. Mariposa Farms
    Literal farm to table. If you are looking for an adventure, drive out to Mariposa Farms and try their $45 3-course “Sunday Lunch”. Ingredients like duck confit and foie gras can’t get any fresher.